Listen we didn’t expect to launch a nostalgia-fueled vintage shirts side hustle. But here we are. And like any good family business, this one is powered by tiny hands, a nice heat press, and the tireless hustle of my 6- and 8-year-old daughters who are in it for the Barbies.
Let me explain.
We’re shipping our CALDOR vintage shirts honoring the legendary discount department store where dreams came true (and where your mom probably bought your first school backpack, tube socks, and maybe even a random lawn chair). We slapped the bold, glorious CALDOR logo on cozy sweatshirts and tees that practically scream “I miss 1998,” and somehow… it worked. People love it. (Just ask anyone still mourning the AMES Department Store.)
But here’s the twist: these shirts aren’t just pressed in some faraway warehouse. No, no. They’re hand-pressed (under close adult supervision, don’t worry) by two elementary school-aged entrepreneurs with big attitudes and even bigger sticker collections.
From the Playroom to the Press Table
Here’s how it works: We cue up some Kidz Bop. Dad fires up the heat press. The girls take turns aligning the logo just right (with the kind of laser focus normally reserved for picking the next YouTube video). Then comes the big moment… the press comes down, and like magic: another CALDOR Vintage T-Shirt or Sweatshirt or Long Sleeve is born.
Sure, there’s a little dancing (or arguing). Maybe a snack break or two. But by the end of the session, we’ve got a fresh batch of retro goodness made with tiny hands and big heart.
Payday, Baby.
Naturally, these pint-sized press queens don’t work for free. Each successfully completed shirt earns a payout from our highly negotiable payroll system, which includes:
- Cold hard cash (aka $3.00 in quarters they immediately lose in the couch)
- Vintage Tamagotchis (they don’t understand them but they’re shiny and make noise)
- Barbies (specifically Gymnastics, NEVER KEN… we made that mistake once)
- Occasional bonus pay in SpongeBob Ice Cream Bars and McDonalds Happy Meals
We’re basically a startup loaded with snacks.
The Best Part? They’re Proud.
Every time a new order comes in, I get two excited little faces asking, “DADDDDDDY I WANNA MAKE IT!” There’s joy in the work. Pride in the product. And a mild risk of glitter contamination from the Barbie Dreamhouse rave going on next to the heat press.
Sure, the CALDOR Vintage shirts started as a silly nod to a store we all weirdly miss but now it’s made with love, and maybe a few crayon marks on your shipping labels.
So if you’re thinking about buying one, just know you’re supporting a small business powered by juice boxes, giggles, and the tiniest hands in fashion.
Also, we’re saving up for a Barbie Dream Camper (JK, they already got it) and possibly a puppy. Let’s make it happen.
Get your CALDOR Vintage Sweatshirt now that’s hand-pressed, kid-approved, nostalgia-infused.